Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Nyesom Wike, has assured members of the international diplomatic community that Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, will remain a safe and supportive environment for their operations.
He gave this assurance during a Saint Patrick’s Day reception and the official inauguration of the new Embassy of Ireland, held at the European Union Complex in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The event brought together diplomats and government officials, highlighting ongoing international engagement in the country.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the administration of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is working to transform Abuja into a globally competitive capital city capable of supporting diplomatic and economic activities.
“We owe you a duty to make sure that we create the right environment for you to work and thrive. I want to assure you that we want to make Abuja one of the best capital cities in the world,” he said.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment for you to carry out your duties, especially in terms of security. Of course, you will attest to the fact that things have improved in Abuja since Tinubu’s administration came on board. We will keep improving every day,” he added.
Okay News reports that the reassurance comes at a time when global diplomatic missions are placing increased emphasis on security conditions in host countries, particularly in regions facing evolving security challenges.
Wike also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Federal Capital Territory Administration and foreign missions, noting that stronger partnerships would benefit both Nigeria and the international community.
He congratulated Ireland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, on both Saint Patrick’s Day and the opening of the new embassy facility, describing the development as a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ireland.
Clarifying his role, the minister stated that his remarks were made in his capacity as the chief administrator of the Federal Capital Territory, which hosts foreign embassies, rather than on behalf of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the federal government of Nigeria as a whole.
Addressing land use issues, Wike advised diplomatic missions to begin development on plots allocated to them within Abuja to avoid illegal occupation by land grabbers. He disclosed that authorities had already contacted affected embassies to reclaim and develop their properties.
“Of course, you know me very well, the law must take its course. We had to tell them enough is enough. My face may not be liked by many people, I don’t care, I will continue to do what is right,” he said.
“We have written to the affected embassies to come and collect their lands back and develop them,” he added.
Wike also hinted at a possible official visit to Ireland following an invitation from Ambassador Ryan. He suggested that recent diplomatic appointments may make such a trip more feasible.
“I think God knows why I haven’t visited earlier. But now that someone I know very well, whose pedigree and capacity I can vouch for, has been appointed as the ambassador, this should be the right time to visit Ireland,” he said.
The event was attended by Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, along with other members of the diplomatic corps.
The minister’s remarks underline Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its image as a stable destination for international diplomacy and investment, while also addressing practical concerns such as land management and urban development in the capital.
